Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-08-26
AM ERICAN CAN0EISTS.
THEIR ANNUAL MEETING AT BOW
AND ARROW POINT
Interesting Features of the Camp De-
scribed - The Novel Contests which
will Take PIace-A Great variety
of Craft-Life in Camp.

Bow AND ARROW POINT, Aug. 1S.-There
is probably little need to recount for the
readers of the FREE PRESS the beauties of
this spot which has been chosen by the
American Canoe association for its seventh
annual meet. Those who are acquainted
with this region are well aware of the pecu
liar advantages it presents for srch gath
ering, and those who have come here as
strangers are delighted with the con
veniences of the location and the beauty
of the surroundings. Canoeists are rovers.
In proportion as they gain facility and
experience in manipulating their delicate
crafts, just so much does the spirit of re-
search and adventure grow increasingly
within them, and it is safe to
say that the members of this international
association have explored nearly all the
accessible water ways of New England, to
say nothing of the Middle States and low
er Canada, and their testimony to the
beauties of northern Champlain thus be-
comes exceedingly significant.
AS this association Is comparatively q
stranger in this vicinity, a word or two as
to its history and purpose may be in order.
The canoe, as a means of transportation
on lake or river, is certainly no novelty in
America; undoubtedly there were some
famous canoe meets upon this
very point long before the Maytower ell
tered Plymouth harbor And in the years
and decades during which science has
been at work with the brchen shell of the
aboriglne, it is interesting to note
that while vast changes have been
made in material and construction, the
lines of the old birch bark canoe are still
reproduced, more or less closely, in the
latest boats of today's builders. For
generation or more individuals have labor
ed in producing, improving and welding
the canoe but not till 1850 did individuals
combine their forces in which year an
organization was effected at Crosbyside
Park, Lake George. The next two years
Iona Island, in that body of water, was
their rendezvous; 1883 found them at
Stony Lake, Ontario for three successive
years Grindstone Island, Thousand
Islands, St. Lawrence river has
been their headquarters, and it is
to- be hoped that as long
period may be spent in their present To-
cation. Their numbers have steadily
grown, although size is not an object of
their ambition about 1850 active mem
beers are ut present enrolled. New York,
Pennsylvania and Canada furnish the
largest delegations, Massachusetts leads
the New England States, and members
are found us far west as California and
Washington, Territory. The two leading
officials are the secretary aud treasurer,
Mr. William NJ. Carter of Trenton, n. j.,
and the commodore, Mr.. r. j. Wilkin of
Brooklyn, n. Y. Beside these there are
division officers and officials from the va
rious local clubs, but none of these hold
rank at the annual meet
The visitor at the camp during the
present week will find matter largely in
the preparatory stage, yet showing eX-
cellent promise of what is to come The
members are slowly gathering many of
them cruisers downLake George andCham-
plain, or coming from Canada via Rouses
Point and arriving hourly. AS one
passes up from the roughly built steam
boat landing he comes very soon to the
handsome menagerie tents of the
secretary and commodore, with their
official standards fiuttering from fly poles
near by. Passing along the shore, tent
after tent appears, i'll no special order,
grounds being assigned in order of appli-
cation. The first week is largely devoted
to getting the camp fairly in order. Floats
are beng constructed from cedar poles
and smoothly planned boards; rustic tables
and seats and fire places are appearing.
Some of the tents are elegant and commo
dious and fitted with all conveniences
and even some Injuries but many of the
canoeists are living in ordinary camp
style. Some do their own cooking
some clubs have messes, and some
board at the Pavilion, where meal:
are furnished at 81 per day, or &c
across to farm houses in Grand Isle. O
course the central feature of interest is tht
countless variety of canoes which line thu
shore or glide over the still waters of thu
land-locked harbor. Remarkable as il
seems, it is a fact that no two of them arr
precisely alike. There is endless scope fo
The owners originality to appear in tn,
outline of the craft, its fittings, rigging
and equipments. Some are wholly open
and some almost completely decked over
Some follow almost precisely the origina
model of them all, the birch canoe anC
some are absolutely fiat, bottomed like tn,
sharpe. And when IL comes to masts
sails, hooms, spirits and steering gear
there is countless variety Mainsai
and dandy balance lug and latter
spread out in bewldering profusion be
fore the unprofessional eye, and offer
broad field for intermiuablc debat
among the initiated.
The present meet is likely to be tn
largest of any in the history of the asso
ciatlon, judging from the remarkably
large numbers who have appeared IN tn
earlier days. Next week will bring tn
races and the large attendance, both o
members and visitors. There promise
to be keen interest and sharp competi
ton between boats of different model
and rigging. Last year the Pecowsic de
sign, sailed by f. H. Barney of Spring
field, Mass, was remarkably successful
and there is likely to be a strong eifor
this year to improve even upon that model
very brief acquaintance with tn
jovial campers rev eals the undoubte
fact that it is very fine set of gentleme
and true sportsmen who have come I
this vicinity. The membership include
men of all ages and walks G
life, all the profession are rel
resented, as well as various lines c
commercial pursuit. 1t goes without say
ing successful canoeist must have brains
courage, energy and perseverance, an
unless he be generous lover of nature
he will not care to seek his summer plea!
ure in this way. The curse of profession
alism seems to be safely averted fror
this organization no member being a
lowed to ever race for money upon pal
OF expulsion. The encampment is unde
strict supervision and discipline, and du
ing the animated scenes of next week
will be well worth a visit. The ground
proper are open only to guests who oil
tain from the secretary the visitor
badge, but the waters of I'll
harbor will doubtless be alive with era
of every size and description to wtne,
the novel contests of the coming day
The races begin Monday the 22d, contnl
ttr, I,iIx olD %. Al.